Splicing a damaged branch.

Posts

• K67 Posts: 2,506

  May 2020

  I think not, trees have systems for drawing water up so I think it's on a par with removing a scratch on your arm by cutting your arm off and then reattaching with a bit of tape to hold it together.
  Your body repairs itself and your tree is doing the same.
  Can't see the whole branch in question but does it still look healthy?
  
  

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• jerry.d-wilkes Posts: 10

  May 2020

  Hi K67,
  It's more than equivalent to a scratch,
  There is probably less than half of the branch still connected. I hoped that something like a graft might help it.
  The branch is healthy and has leaves, so hopefully it will repair itself and form a knuckle in a few years. I am supporting it with string at the moment, see pic.
  Thanks, Jeremy

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• jerry.d-wilkes Posts: 10

  May 2020

  Hi Pansyface,
  I'm pretty sure it's not a canker, the projecting bits look like folded bark where the branch almost snapped off. Sounds like I just need to leave it alone and hope for the best🙂

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• tui34 Posts: 3,493

  May 2020

  Hi - I think you are doing the right thing - the branch looks as if it is repairing itself.  The string/rope seems like a good idea.  You could try binding it with electrical tape, but quite frankly, it may be best to leave the rest to nature.

  A good hoeing is worth two waterings.
  
  

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• jerry.d-wilkes Posts: 10

  May 2020

  We bought it from a tree nursery, who also delivered it, but not sure if it got snapped before or after delivery :-/
  Sounds like it's best left to repair itself.

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• jerry.d-wilkes Posts: 10

  May 2020

  Hi Tuikowhai34,
  I agree, I'll leave the string on and left it do it's own thing over the next few years. 
  Thanks, Jeremy

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• BobTheGardener Posts: 11,385

  May 2020 edited May 2020

  Personally, I'd wait a couple of months (to avoid silver leaf) until midsummer and remove that branch as that damage will always be a weak point and potential entry point for disease.  Trees are able to heal clean wounds much quicker if you cut branches off immediately above the collar, just here in your case:

  

  Of course, you could let it heal and see what happens but you do risk a disease entering that open wound until that is complete.
  

  A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  

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• jerry.d-wilkes Posts: 10

  May 2020

  Hi Bobthegardener,
  I think I am too tempted to leave it and hope for the best. It's the lowest branch on the tree and it would help with its shape. 

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• K67 Posts: 2,506

  May 2020

  Personally I think it would look better without the branch assuming it's the lowest one but do remove  those black bands on the trunk as they will cut into the bark as the tree grows. You have a good support so anything else is unnecessary.

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• Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

  May 2020

  Hello jerry.d-Wilkes, In the past I have had some success with snapped branches by gently straightening up again, then using wooden splints each side (lollypop sticks are good, depending on the length of the break) and tying them on reasonably tightly with some wide soft ribbon (or lengths of old tights). It's easier done with two people, one holding the branch in place, one doing the tying. Leave it all on for about six months or even up to a year.
  
  Your string ties at the moment will not be enough to support the branch in high winds but may help to keep the branch in the right position once you've done the above. The Soft Tie stuff is much better than string if you can get hold of some as it doesn't cut into the bark like string or wire.
  
  It will either work or won't, either way you've nothing to lose. 
  

  North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone

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